Fall Veggies in Ontario: Best Vegetables to Plant Now

As the summer heat begins to wane in Ontario, many gardeners might think that the planting season is over. However, fall is an ideal time to plant a variety of vegetables, especially those that thrive in cooler temperatures. This not only extends your harvest season but also allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce throughout the winter. Let's explore the best vegetables to plant in the fall in Ontario.

Fall planting in Ontario typically occurs between September and mid-October, depending on your location and the first expected frost date. The cooler temperatures and shorter days slow down the growth of plants, allowing them to focus on developing strong root systems rather than producing foliage. This makes them more resilient and better equipped to handle the cold winter months.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are a fall gardener's best friend, as they are hardy and can withstand frost, making them perfect for Ontario's climate. They also store well, allowing you to enjoy your harvest long after it's been pulled from the ground.

Carrots

Carrots are a classic fall vegetable and one of the easiest to grow. They prefer cooler temperatures and can even improve in flavor after a light frost. Plant carrot seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep, in rows that are about 12 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they've sprouted.

Varieties like 'Nelson' and 'Paris Market' are known for their cold hardiness and are great choices for fall planting in Ontario. Carrots can take anywhere from 70 to 85 days to mature, so plan accordingly.

Beets

Beets are another excellent choice for fall planting. They are fast-growing, cold-hardy, and have both roots and greens that are edible. Plant beet seeds about 1/2 inch deep, in rows that are about 10 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to about 3 inches apart once they've sprouted.

Varieties like 'Detroit Dark Red' and 'Chioggia' are great for fall planting. Beets typically take about 50 to 70 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Brassicas

Brassicas are a family of vegetables that includes cabbage, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. They are cool-season crops that can tolerate frost and even benefit from it, making them well-suited for fall planting in Ontario.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It prefers cooler temperatures and can withstand frost, making it an ideal candidate for fall planting. Plant cabbage seedlings about 18 inches apart, in rows that are about 36 inches apart.

Varieties like 'Savoy Perfection' and 'Red Acre' are known for their cold hardiness and are great choices for fall planting. Cabbage typically takes about 70 to 100 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Kale

Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that is well-suited for fall planting. It is cold-hardy and can even improve in flavor after a light frost. Plant kale seeds about 1/4 inch deep, in rows that are about 12 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to about 18 inches apart once they've sprouted.

Varieties like 'Lacinato' and 'Red Russian' are great for fall planting in Ontario. Kale typically takes about 55 to 75 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Alliums

Alliums are a family of vegetables that includes onions, garlic, and leeks. They are cool-season crops that can be planted in the fall and harvested the following spring, making them a great option for extending your harvest season.

Garlic

Garlic is a bulb that is planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. It prefers cooler temperatures and well-draining soil. Plant garlic cloves about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart, in rows that are about 12 inches apart.

Varieties like 'Music' and 'German Extra Hardy' are known for their cold hardiness and are great choices for fall planting in Ontario. Garlic typically takes about 8 to 10 months to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Onions

Onions are a cool-season crop that can be planted in the fall and harvested the following summer. They prefer cooler temperatures and well-draining soil. Plant onion sets (small bulbs) about 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart, in rows that are about 18 inches apart.

Varieties like 'Walla Walla Sweet' and 'Red Baron' are great for fall planting in Ontario. Onions typically take about 100 to 175 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Fall planting in Ontario offers gardeners a unique opportunity to extend their harvest season and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce throughout the winter. By choosing the right vegetables and planting them at the right time, you can create a thriving fall garden that will provide you with a bountiful harvest. So, get out there and start planting!